Plans for an equestrian centre have been in the pipeline for many years and with an injection of cash from the council, it is set to go ahead.

However, many groups think the equestrian centre will be a “white elephant” and a waste of money, saying there are already many facilities in Inverell that can be used by equestrian enthusiasts.

A meeting was held last Saturday with more than 30 people attending to voice their concerns about the decision to fund the equestrian centre.

Concerns raised at the meeting include that there is no sewerage hooked up to the racecourse at present, and for the Riding for the Disabled to be able to make their home at the planned centre, disabled toilets and showers would have to be constructed, and sewerage connected.

According to representatives from the Showground Trust, the latest toilet block built on the showground for the Basketball Pavilion cost more than $40,000 when it was constructed several years ago.

Janet Tonkin, Secretary of the Showground Trust, said the concern among the equestrian community was the chance of the cost blowing out.

“We can see this whole thing going from $40,000 to $4 million. We are not asking for the $40,000 to be given to the showground, but the money could be better spent on upgrading facilities rather than building a new complex when no one even wants it.

“Most of the equestrian groups are really happy at the showground, there are just no facilities at the proposed site, and we have facilities here that could just do with a little extra and they would be top class.”

The $40,000 is part of the Federal Government’s multi-million dollar bonus to local councils across Australia.

Representatives from equestrian groups came forward with suggestions where the money could be spent, with a rodeo representative informing the meeting that requests for assistance have been with the council for 10 to 15 years.